My second fanfiction story, the idea has been with me for a while and I just had to start writing it. This is an all human AU of Twilight inspired by The Portrait of Dorian Gray.
Disclaimer: Twilight and its' characters belong to Stephanie Meyer, The Portrait of Dorian Gray belongs to Oscar Wilde. I own nothing.
The Portrait of Edward Cullen
The Prologue
Edward's POV
I was seventeen years old when 'The Artist' saw fit to add my likeness into his Cullen 'Collection' (an inside joke that I don't feel like explaining at this time). Having 'The Artist' make your portrait is a great honor that only the young and beautiful are bestowed with. 'The Artist' is extremely gifted, when the transaction is completed 'the model' leaves with a portrait, and eternal life and beauty. Thinking of 'him' bores me now.
Since that time there were two men who influenced me greatly; my mentor and friend Carlisle and his associate James. Carlisle had assisted me since my induction into the Cullen 'Collection'. He is a philanthropist at heart and has used 'The Artist's gift' to become a doctor, believing that using the gift of eternal life for one's self to be a waste. My naïve understanding of the world, could see the importance of his philanthropic pragmatism, and I accepted it whole-heartedly.
It wasn't until years later that I had met a man who seemed truly liberated. James, who I met as an associate of Carlisle (much to Carlisle's chagrin), was also a client of 'The Artist' but from a different 'Collection'. In terms of philosophy he was Carlisle's antithesis, replacing philanthropic ways with those of philander and debauchery. He saw the gifts for their true essence, to use the youth and beauty that is so fleeting for others to its fullest gain. To live with out consequences, these ideas intrigued me especially the ability to live without all the humanitarian efforts.
Thus began my inner struggle. Conflicts that tested my original understanding of right and wrong. It felt as if these two men were vying for my very soul. They became the representation of my own personal angels and demons, always whispering suggestions to me that contradicted each other. My old mentor, Carlisle, the picture of the altruistic hero. And my new friend James, the picture of the self serving villain (according to Carlisle).
Should I be the hero my mentor has taught me to be? Or am I really the villain free from the concerns of others? If I was like my mentor than this shouldn't even be a question, so what if I have already become the villain?
Author's Notes: Well I hope you liked the prologue, please review and let me know what you think of it. And please feel free to check out my other story. This is unbetaed so if there are glaring problems with grammar I'm sorry and I'll fix it up soon.
P.S. I was just really kind of intrigued by the idea of Edward actually being the bad guy. And the idea I had for this story just seemed inspired. PM me if you have any questions.